1961 AMC Metropolitan 1500 Taxi

This 1961 Metropolitan Taxi is as cute as can be with its 55 hp, inline four-cylinder engine and three-speed manual transmission. We do not see many taxis conversions, and we rarely see one as cute and convenient as this. The epitome of cute, this Metropolitan is even more so, cleverly painted in taxi livery complete with amber roof light and cab meter mounted inside.

One man’s dream come true is another man’s dream car. I can see this turning into a unique Uber car or a quick commute shuttle. It must get 40 mpg if not more. I cannot imagine how much time and effort went into this taxi theme. I would think that it had a good cost to build and a desire to complete.

The front independent coil-spring suspension with wishbones, live rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs would make a nice ride for its year of production. Stopping is not the best for our time, however the four-wheel Girling hydraulic drum brakes will stop sufficiently in everyday traffic.

It took three years to complete the restoration and only has 15 miles since it has been restored to this condition. It should be interesting if someone can see an opportunity to use this in a marketing theme to promote their business to a new level or it becomes a cool ride at local car shows. It is doubtful it did cab duty, but it sure is fun and will no doubt be a hit wherever it appears—and for whoever hops in!